Yes; it's absolutely true, haverhill / Mabon Dane. The reason is simple -
the most popular pastime on the island (out of holiday season) is a unique
sport the locals call "kittie bashing", and/or "cat tailing". Yes; life on
the island is *that* boring, I'm afraid, in the winter months. It's
something to do, and it keeps us out of mischief.

The cats aren't born like that. We wait till they're about 6 months old,
then all cats are kicked out of the houses at night, fitted with bells and
flashing bicycle lights, and released into the countryside. The locals then
chase the cats, using jeeps (fited with spotlights) and trials bikes to
chase them towards the sportsters on foot, who, armed with nets, airguns,
compound bows, catapults, crossbows (to wound only, NOT kill), and copious
amounts of cider and marijuana, try to catch them.

When caught, we cut off their tails. Points are awarded to whichever group
collects the most tails by 6 am. The tails themselves are usually
preserved/dried and used as trinkets, decorations, trophies, etc.

I, myself, have 127 tails in my collection. All colours and sizes!

We're aware that many consider this cruel, but it's traditional, and thus
perfectly justified. The cats - most of whom live through the ordeal, I
might add - seem to enjoy the festivities too.